A recent book that needs to be on your radar is To Win Her Hand by Jen Geigle Johnson. The first in her new Gentleman’s Match series, it follows two rival matchmakers who spend their time helping others fall in love, yet can’t envision a happily ever after for themselves. But when Lord Featherstone and Lady Loveluck strike a little matchmaking wager, the only ones falling in love will be the two of them.
I don’t know about you, but I adore books where a matchmaker thinks they’re unloveable and can’t recognize that they’re actually matching themself with someone special. Oh, these silly hearts. A recent contemporary romance that featured this trope was Lunar Love. In To Win Her Hand, readers get transported back to Regency England, with Lords and Ladies who need an improvement in both their finances and their love lives. Will Lord Featherstone and Lady Loveluck be able to unlock their hearts and find their true love? This is a book—and new series—that I’m eager to read!
Following the excerpt, you can find out more about the novel – including where to get it – below. Do let me know if you’re planning to pick up To Win Her Hand, and if you’ve already read it, let me know how you liked it in the comments! I’m hoping to read it soon, so stay tuned for my review.
Exclusive Excerpt From To Win Her Hand
“I did say I will not help you woo that woman. And I won’t. It would be a useless endeavor.”
“Why not? What is wrong with her?”
“With her? Nothing. I predict she is the most perfect woman you or I shall ever meet.”
Mr. Hartsworth’s smile returned. “Then what is the problem?”
“That doesn’t mean she is perfect for you. Come, isn’t there any other woman in the room who is intriguing to you in the slightest?”
Mr. Hartsworth frowned, looking about the room in obvious perusal. Then he brightened. “The woman at her right is intriguing. Tall. Perhaps would be a simple way to meet the goddess.”
Lord Featherstone stood in front of the man to block his view. “We don’t call women goddesses. They don’t like it.”
He peered around Lord Featherstone to once again gawk at Lady Loveluck. “How could they not like it? Besides, it’s the perfect word for this vision in front of me. She has all power over me forever. I fall at her feet. Whatever she demands, I am without means to resist—”
“Mr. Hartsworth, please desist. We are approaching. Try and control yourself. Remember, we are here to tease, to taste, and to back away.”
Lord Featherstone and Mr. Hartsworth joined Lord Cooper and Lord Taylor, who were conversing with Lady Loveluck and her companion. The lords stepped aside to make room.
With little enthusiasm, Lord Taylor nodded to them. “Ah, Featherstone. Here you are.”
“Excellent to see you gentlemen.” Lord Featherstone bowed to the ladies. “And naturally, of all the things to know in this much celebrated museum, you have found two of the most intriguing attractions.”
Lady Loveluck laughed, and the musical sound moved deep inside Lord Featherstone’s chest and lodged there. “Oh, Lord Cooper, he is delicious. Lord Taylor, please, we must have an introduction.”
“Lady Loveluck, Miss Anna, might I present Lord Featherstone?” Lord Taylor’s lack of enthusiasm almost made Lord Featherstone laugh. What had he done to this man to earn his bored dissatisfaction?
He bowed over Lady Loveluck’s hand, finding it difficult to look away. “My pleasure.” He held her gaze as long as possible and knew the moment he caused a modicum of her interest, but it shifted. He cleared his throat. “Might I present Mr. Hartsworth?”
“Certainly. How do you do? This is Miss Anna. Pleased to meet you both.” She held a hand out to Mr. Hartsworth, who bowed over it and lingered much longer than was required or acceptable.
“I am enchanted.” He at last released her hand and turned to Miss Anna. “Pleased to make your acquaintance as well.”
When the bows and curtseys were performed and the group stood in that first awkward pause that always happened, Lord Featherstone held out his arm for someone to take. “Shall we take a turn? I have not as yet seen the sculptures this visit.” He was rewarded when Lady Loveluck took his arm.
Mr. Hartsworth then held an arm out for Miss Anna. “Would you allow me to escort you, miss?”
Miss Anna rewarded him with a smile. “Yes, thank you.” She stood taller but did not slouch. In fact, she seemed to enjoy her height. Lord Featherstone nodded in approval.
Mr. Hartsworth peered around Miss Anna and Lord Featherstone to direct a comment at Lady Loveluck. “I’m unaccountably pleased to have met you both today.”
Lord Taylor and Lord Cooper made their bows. Lord Cooper tipped his hat to Lady Loveluck. “We can see when we’ve been replaced. I do hope to catch you at Almack’s one of these Wednesdays.”
“Thank you. I’ll see about stopping in.”
Miss Anna waved to them. Then she turned to Mr. Hartsworth. “I’m pleased to meet you as well. I’ve not seen this exhibit yet. Have you?”
“Pardon me? Oh yes. I have been but can’t remember much. Perhaps you can give me a tour?”
When Mr. Hartsworth looked the other direction, Lady Loveluck stood taller and motioned that Miss Anna do the same. She straightened her posture even though it made her even taller than Mr. Hartsworth. So, she must be sponsored by Lady Loveluck in some way, Lord Featherstone surmised. She gave great heed to her direction.
Mr. Hartsworth continued to crane his neck to give attention to Lady Loveluck and hardly spared a glance for Miss Anna, who commented on the nearest sculpture. “This one puzzles me. See how the body is twisted here. I don’t know what to make of it.”
“It’s lovely, yes. I quite agree.” He mumbled his response as though hardly giving attention. “How are you liking the Season?”
He again directed his question toward Lady Loveluck, but Miss Anna answered. “So far, it’s quite excellent. I’ve never had so many things to attend, so many people to meet . . .” She looked up into his in attentive face. “I do believe I’ve met more cabbages than ever in my life.
“Quite right. A Season provides excellent opportunities to meet a wide variety.”
Lord Featherstone groaned under his breath. “He did not just completely miss her jest. She’s on to him not paying attention, isn’t she?”
“Of course, she is.” Lady Loveluck called over to them. “Have you seen the cabbages, then?” She tugged on Lord Feather‐ stone’s arm and lead them further away and out of earshot.
“Pardon me?” The confusion on Mr. Hartsworth’s face would have been amusing if Lord Featherstone wasn’t completely embarrassed for him. He muttered a quiet apology to the universe and Lady Loveluck.
Chapter one, pages 14-17
From To Win Her Hand © 2022, Jen Geigle Johnson, published by King’s Row Press
Official Summary
An expert at winning a woman’s hand. A woman who cannot be won.
Lord Featherstone has the world on his shoulders. Or at least his world. With two brothers and a failing estate he must make funds somehow. But what happens when he falls for a woman? Will his tactics work when the situation is so close and personal?
Everyone thinks Lady Loveluck is a wealthy widow. What they don’t know is that she is on the brink of hiring herself out as a Governess in order to pay for her next meal. The only thing keeping her from employment is a growing reputation as a matchmaker. As long as she never falls for another man, as long as she doesn’t allow herself to be fooled into marrying, she will be just fine.
But she never counted on being caught up in the beguiling tactics of London’s renowned and not so secret matchmaker for men.
Get the Book
You can buy To Win Her Hand at the links below. It’s available as a hardcover, paperback, and ebook.
AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY | BOOKSHOP | GOODREADS
| To Win Her Hand by Jen Geigle Johnson | |
|---|---|
| Series | The Gentleman’s Match (#1) |
| Audience | Adult |
| Genre | Historical Romance |
| Number of Pages | 272 |
| Original Publication Date | December 15, 2022 |
About the Author
Jen Geigle Johnson is an award-winning author, including the GOLD in Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards and LDSPMA Praiseworthy’s top award for Romance,
Jen has more stories circulating in her brain than can possibly be told. She discovered her passion for England while kayaking on the Thames near London as a young teenager. History is her main jam. Her literary heroes include the greats: Jane Austen and Charles Dickens. But she has modern sensibilities as well.
Six children and an inspiring husband keep her going and make certain she doesn’t stay glued to a keyboard or lost in obscure fascinating details of old castles.
Now, she loves to share bits of history that might otherwise be forgotten. Whether in Regency England, the French Revolution, or Colonial America, her romance novels are much like life is supposed to be: full of adventure.
More Books by Jen Geigle Johnson
Reviews of Books Like This
The Lady Tempts an Heir
Last year, two of my favorite books were The Heiress Gets a Duke and The Devil and the Heiress, both part of Harper St. George’s…
The Belle of Belgrave Square
Earlier this year, I adored The Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews, the first in her Belles of London series. Ever since, I’d been looking forward…
Never Fall for Your Fiancée
Lately I’ve been getting more and more into historical romances (though I’m still pretty new to the genre). One book that caught my eye a…
Amanda's Book Corner 
Thanks for sharing, Amanda. The concept of a romance of two matchmakers is intriguing to me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree! It’s such a fun concept and I’m excited to read this book 😍
LikeLike